For years, I knew exactly what I was going to receive for Christmas. And my birthdays. I would receive a shirt-sized box that was deceptively heavy. Inside would not be a new t-shirt or a new dress, but rather a stack of Michael Phillips novels, courtesy of my sister.

Now, years later, I have almost every book that Michael’s published—some in multiple editions—and it’s a joy to share some of my favorites with you in this year’s Michael Phillips Books Gift Guide.

Whether you’re shopping for the devotional reader in your life, a history buff, a teen discovering their love of reading, or the adventure seeker who can’t put down a good thriller, Michael Phillips has written something that will captivate them.

For the Devotional Reader – The Commands of Jesus

If you ask Michael which book (or series) is his most significant legacy project or life’s work, he would tell you it is The Commands. This book can be life-changing. I say, can, because even though it’s a short read each day, it’ll take you all day…all month…all year…all your life to apply its truths, straight from the practical commands of Jesus. A small, short read, this one is perfect for the devotional reader on your Christmas list, and I’d recommend picking up a couple as gifts.

For the Historical Fiction Lover – Legend of the Celtic Stone & An Ancient Strife

This one is tricky for me to narrow down because Michael has so many fantastic options in his writing collection. But I’ll go with Legend of the Celtic Stone—a mystery steeped in historical fact, plus extraordinary side journeys back in history that will take you to some of Scotland’s most memorable moments, including the heartbreaking and legendary tragedy at Glencoe. If you really want to captivate your loved one, pick up the sequel, too, called An Ancient Strife.

For the Romance Reader – The Eleventh Hour & A Rose Remembered

Allow me to introduce you to the first two books in my favorite Secret of the Rose series. The series has four books total, but the first two, The Eleventh Hour and A Rose Remembered, will introduce you to the beautiful love story between Sabina von Dortmann, the daughter of a European baron during the brink of World War II, and Matthew McCallum, the son of an American diplomat. The series spans decades and includes intrigue, escapes, imprisonments, clandestine networks, and, of course, a love story that has stood the test of time since its first publication over 30 years ago.

For the Teen Girl in Your Life – My Father’s World

I love recommending the Journals of Corrie Belle Hollister series. This series begins with My Father’s World and tells the story of a young woman, Corrie Belle, who travels to California by wagon train with her mother and younger siblings. But when tragedy strikes on the prairie, Corrie arrives in Miracle Springs, California, uncertain and fearful about her future. But before long, Corrie will discover her Father in heaven has a future beyond what she could ever imagine. This series is perfect for teen girls—though plenty of adults have loved going along for Corrie’s adventures, too!

For the Teen Boy in Your Life – Grayfox

While the Journals of Corrie Belle Hollister tend to attract a primarily female audience, Michael has written a fantastic stand-alone companion novel about Corrie’s brother, Zack. Grayfox is one of my favorite books to give as graduation gifts to the young men in my life, as it’s an exciting adventure story set in the Pony Express days, yet also packed with truths that all men should know.

For the Adventure Fan – Rift in Time

Look no further than Michael’s classic Rift in Time. This book is Christian fiction meets Indiana Jones meets good overcoming evil, secret societies. It may sound heavy, but this book is a rip-roaring good time as you join Adam Livingstone, a wealthy aristocrat with a passion for adventure…and which he will soon discover, a passion for truth.

Finding These Books

Some of these books can be easily found on Amazon, as we’ve been working hard to release new editions, returning them to print. But if you can’t find any on Amazon, be sure to check out eBay or ThriftBooks, where many of Michael’s earlier editions are still available.

Ready to start your own Michael Phillips collection? Browse our complete collection of books and discover your next favorite series.